THE TOWN BELT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5051, 1 June 1877, Page 5

THE TOWN BELT.

TO THE EDIIOK OF THE SEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sin, —It is gratifying to observe, by the extent of your correspondence on the leasing of the Town Belt, that a large measure of public interest seems to be taken in that subject. This is as it sould be. Full inquiry and discussion, even an infusion of the wrath to which Plato attached so much of virtue, never fail to be beneficial; and I at least gladly recognise the importance of preserving, to the fullest extent, the people's right in any commonage set apart for public health and recreation". The Town Belt is the people's park; it should be retained as such iu perpetuity; and the mode of leasing now proposed, whether it meets with general approval or not, has been carefully based upon these views. This will at once appear when I state that the following are some of the prominent conditions :—Upwards of 100 acres of the laud, in different parts of the suburbs, considered most suitable and convenient for the purpose, have been withheld from lease, with the object of being planted and laid out in walks for public use, as soon as the work can be undertaken ; roads that up till this time have stopped short at Town Belt fences are now to be carried right through the property ; and the power is reserved of re-entry at any time on such leased portions of the Belt as'may hereafter be considered necessary for promoting in any way the public welfare. Yet another stipulation is that the public shall have the undisputed right to walk over and through auy portion of the land they please. More liberal conditions for the public, without proclaiming the Belt literally " no man's land," could scarcely have been framed. Some persons will doubtless consider them too liberal; but no injustice can he done to anyone, as the rent to be paid is entirely within the discretion of intending lessees. I venture to think, bearing in mind that individual rights must, as a matter of course, be limited in sharing a public right such as that of commonage, that the leasing the Belt on the terms indicated will commend itself to general approval. Leaving it an open common would lead to no end of heartburning and dispute, moat likely to much practical hardship and injustice, whereas the land in the occupancy of lessees will place dairy-keeping on a sure tenure, and thus add considerably to the supply of milk for the city—a supply all too scanty in many families. The rental will be found useful in improving and ornamenting the reserves, the specific purpose to which it is appropriated by law. Under all the circumstances, I feel confident that the future arrangements, as now explained (and I have thought it due to the public that I should explain them), will be found satisfactory.—l am, &c, William Hutchison. May 31. __________